October 2017

Difficult people are everywhere. Such individuals are either unaware of the negativity they spread to people around them, or they get a kind of satisfaction from the chaos and complications they instill in other people’s lives. People who are vulnerable to the negativity that difficult people spread are the ones who are the most affected by their behavior. It’s true that we can’t control the people who enter into our lives, but we can control how they affect us.

Negative people can cause conflicts, complexity, or stress if we let them. Not all of us know that stress has a heftier impact to our health and productivity. According to studies, stressful situations can have a lasting and deleterious impact on our brain. It can put a toll to the neurons in the hippocampus, which is responsible for reasoning and memory, reducing its efficiency.

Difficult People Cause Stress that has a Lasting Effect on the Brain

Weeks of stress may cause temporary and reversible damage to neuronal dendrites. However, months of stress may lead to their permanent destruction. Stress is not only a threat to our health, but to our success as well.

A research from the Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology at Friedrich Schiller University in Germany showed that exposure to strong negative emotions can cause a massive stress response in the brain. It’s the kind of stress which we can get from difficult people, and the ones we must avoid.

It’s essential to learn how to manage our emotions under pressure. Otherwise, it will affect our performance, and eventually our achievements.

When TalentSmart conducted a research with more than a million people, they found out that top performers know how to handle their emotions in times of stress. They remain calm and in control under pressure. Most importantly, they know how to deal with difficult people. Top performers are skilled at neutralizing abrasive people, using effective strategies that keep toxic people at bay.

Never be sucked into a negative person’s emotional spiral. Using the following techniques, you will be in control no matter how hard these people try to drag you down. Pick the best strategies that fit you the most. Here’s how smart people deal with difficult people:

Smart people know when and how to set the limits

Smart people know the fine line between lending a sympathetic ear, and getting sucked in a negative emotional spiral — this is when they set limits. Negative people and complainers want to involve as many as they could in their pity party; which are bad news. They fail to focus on solutions, and instead fish for sympathy to feel better about themselves.

It’s usual for people to feel guilty when refusing a pity party invitation. Some people think they may appear rude or callous, but smart people know it’s necessary when to distance themselves. One great way to set limits is to ask the complainers, how they plan to solve their issues. Once you do, the complainers will either redirect the conversation into a productive talk, or quiet down.

The rise from others

We can’t beat difficult people at their own game, so quit trying. Difficult people can make you go crazy because they are irrational. When their behavior goes against reason, it just means that you don’t have to respond to them emotionally. Smart people know that when dealing with irrational people, they need to distance from them emotionally, and only respond to facts instead. They steer clear from the emotional vortex, and they interact with difficult people like a science project.

They are aware of their emotions

Having the ability to control emotions requires awareness. Smart people can stop people from pushing their buttons because they can recognize when it’s happening. Entrepreneur.com described such situation, saying, “Think of it this way — if a mentally unstable person approaches you on the street and tells you he’s John F. Kennedy, you’re unlikely to set him straight. When you find yourself with a coworker who is engaged in similarly derailed thinking, sometimes it’s best to just smile and nod. If you’re going to have to straighten them out, it’s better to give yourself some time to plan the best way to go about it.”

They have boundaries

Establishing boundaries is necessary when dealing with or living with a difficult person. Smart people know that they are always in control during a chaos. You, too, can do it once you realize you can rise above these people. Once you do, you will be able to predict and understand their behavior, which will help you think rationally when situations require. You will know when and how to deal with them.

Establish boundaries by being conscious and proactive. Just like what the Entrepreneur said, “If you let things happen naturally, you are bound to find yourself constantly embroiled in difficult conversations. If you set boundaries and decide when and where you’ll engage a difficult person, you can control much of the chaos.”

The secret is to keep your guards up, and your boundaries strong when difficult people try to intrude.

They know how to fight and when to fight

Smart people choose their battles wisely. It’s important to live another day for the fight, especially when dealing with difficult people. However, it’s more important to know you won’t get severely damaged in a battle that’s not worth fighting for. You must be able to analyze your emotions, be clever with your responses, stand your ground when the time is right.

They focus on the solutions, not the problems

Where you focus your attention becomes your reality. This is why it’s important to have productive thoughts rather than focusing on the problems. Same goes when dealing with negative people.

Thinking about how difficult they are will only give you stress, and negative emotions that will affect your health and productivity. Instead, you must focus on the steps on how you will can improve yourself or the situation, and it will give a sense of personal efficacy that produces positive emotions.

When dealing with negative people, think about how you will handle them, and it will make you feel in control. Focusing on the solution will reduce your stress, and the negative impact of difficult people to you and your life.

They forgive, not forget

Smart people don’t wallow in negative toils. Thus, they easily forgive. However, it doesn’t mean that they easily forget how they are harmed. Forgiving and forgetting are two distinct actions. Smart people forgive so they can easily move on, but they don’t give a wrong doer another chance to harm.

Don’t let other people’s mistakes or wrong doings bog you down. Smart people do it by being assertive in protecting themselves from people that may harm them again in the future.

They don’t buy into negative self-talks

It’s inevitable, sometimes you will absorb the negativity of other people. It’s not wrong to feel bad when someone is not treating you right. However, your self-talk, which are your thoughts about your feelings, can either give you a lift or drag you down deeper.

Never buy into your own negative self-talks. Once it happens, shrug it off. Negative self-talks are unrealistic, unnecessary and self-defeating. Avoid it at all costs, or you’ll end up getting sucked into a downward emotional spiral.

They get enough sleep

The quality of your sleep affects your cortisol and your stress hormone levels. A good night’s sleep increases your emotional intelligence, and helps you in managing your stress. At times that you don’t get the right amount of sleep, you get to lose your self-control, and you become more vulnerable to negativity around you. Thus, proper sleep will help you become more positive, clear-headed, aware, and proactive when dealing with difficult people.

They utilize their support system

Smart people know their limitations, and they don’t tackle everything on their own. To come up with an effective approach towards dealing with difficult people, it’s essential to recognize the flaws of your technique.

Smart people tap into their support system to gain perspective on a challenging person. According to Entrepreneur.com, you can polish your approach when dealing with toxic people by finding people who are “rooting for them and ready to help them get the best from a difficult situation.” Furthermore, you must, “Identify these individuals in your life and make an effort to seek their insight and assistance when you need it. Something as simple as explaining the situation can lead to a new perspective.”

Reaching out to other people who you can trust and can rely on will help you make more efficient ways to deal with negative people. Tapping into your own support system is essential because, “most of the time, other people can see a solution that you can’t because they are not as emotionally invested in the situation.”

How to Outsmart Difficult People was last modified: November 13th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

Eradicating the Language Barrier with Technology

Earlier this month, Google announced the release of their latest Pixel smartphones. One of the most staggering highlights of the was the debut of Google’s new wireless earbuds, dubbed “Pixel Buds.”

Google Pixel Buds are the first wireless earbuds of the company, which were developed to use with Pixel smartphones. Unlike Apple’s Airpods, these buds have wires that connect the earpieces to one another. The earbuds’ most intriguing feature is its ability to translate 40 languages in real time.

Google Pixel Buds is one of 2017’s sensational new technologies. It translates languages by giving the users access to Google Translate. With it, conversations between people talking in their native tongues are possible, and convenient.

The Pixel Buds work by pairing with the new Pixel smartphones via Bluetooth. Conveniently, the buds can also be connected to other devices that accept Bluetooth wireless earbuds.

Google Pixel Buds also allows the users to access Google Assistant by tapping or pressing the right earbud

All of Pixel Buds’ controls are placed on the right piece, just like most wireless earbuds. By pressing or tapping the right earbud, Google Assistant will be able to read messages or notify the user through the Pixel Buds.

Technology trends like this stupefy the audience of what today’s innovations can offer. Same with Google Pixel Buds, it had successfully stunned the people with its language translation abilities on the day of the its demo.

In the demo, two people who were wearing Pixel Buds were able to converse with each other in real time using their native languages. One user was talking in Swedish, while the other talked in English.

Google Pixel Buds translate different languages by accessing Google Translate, which translated the languages for each user. Translations were delivered fast with minimal lags, and in appropriate languages.

So far, only Google was able to integrate the language translation feature into their wireless earbuds. Thanks to the existing data and infrastructure of Google Translate, the eradication of language barriers between races is one step away to becoming reality.

For only $159, users of Google Pixel Buds will be able to comprehend 40 different languages. The wireless buds can last up to 5 hours on a single charge. Google Pixel Buds also come with a charging case that can hold up to 24 hours of battery life. For now, the Pixel Buds are only available for preorder.

Google Pixel Buds Translate Conversations in Real Time was last modified: November 13th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

Pregnancy is such a delicate stage in a woman’s life where a proper balance in diet must be met. How a woman consumes nutrients during pregnancy will predict her health and that of the fetus. Furthermore, eating right is the best way to adjust easily during pregnancy. Here, we will share the right nutrients a pregnant woman should have for a healthy baby and body:

The first trimester

It’s usual for women to find it hard to maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy. Due to the changes in the body and the brain during gestation, a woman may eat more or less than the usual. Due to this, most of the time pregnant women gain or lose weight while carrying a baby. In some cases, during the first 3 months, a pregnant woman may eat more or eat less due to anxiety.

It’s important to keep in mind that the key to a healthy pregnancy is to avoid malnutrition and dehydration.

The right amount of calories

Pregnant women must consume around 300 calories daily more than the usual. To make sure that you’re consuming the right amount of nutrients, you must be able to listen to your body. A pregnant woman must eat whenever she feels hungry. Eat as much food as possible in the bottom part of the pyramid, especially during the first trimester.

If you find it hard to gain weight, you may start with eating small meals at first. Then, gradually increase your fat intake. Listen to your body, and eat when it tells you to, as you are now eating for two people instead of one.

The right amount of calcium

The second trimester of pregnancy is when you need to increase your calcium intake. Consume around 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day, which is more than a quart of milk. During the second trimester is where you and your baby need calcium the most. With that amount of required calcium, you must get it from different food sources. Aside from milk, you can also get calcium from dairy products, calcium fortified juices, and calcium tablets.

The right amount of fiber

Constipation is common for pregnant women due to the changes in the body, and its water content. Thus, to avoid it, a pregnant woman must eat the types of food that are rich in fiber. Eating whole grains rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables will help you avoid constipation. Pregnant women can also get their fiber supply from supplements like Metamucil and Citrucel.

The right amount of protein

Protein can be easily consumed from a normal diet. Unless you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, the right amount of protein consumption wouldn’t be a problem during gestation.

The right amount of iron

Most pregnant women experience a deficiency in iron during the early stage of pregnancy. It’s important to acquire enough amount of iron or it can result in fatigue or malnutrition. Pregnant women can get iron from sources like dark leafy green vegetables and meats. However, its’ not suggested to take iron supplements during pregnancy as it may cause internal symptoms such as cramping, constipation, or diarrhea.

Vitamins

You can get a good amount of needed vitamins in your diet if you’re eating right. However, you can always discuss with your doctor about the prenatal vitamins that you need. Folate is typically the most important vitamin a pregnant woman must have. If you’re already getting a good amount of Folate, you may avoid other types of vitamins. Still, you need to ask your doctor about it to be sure.

Your Diet for a Healthy Pregnancy was last modified: November 13th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

In the past years, tech geniuses have theorized that one day the human brain will function together with the Internet. The beginning of that era may have finally arrived in the form of this study from Wits University, they call, the Brainternet project.

Researchers from Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, took the first step towards the futuristic vision of a human brain. In their study published on Medical Express, the researchers were able to connect the human mind to the Internet in real time for the first time ever. The Brainternet project has enabled the integration between the internet and a person’s brain. According to researchers, the system has turned the brain “…into an Internet of Things (IoT) node on the World Wide Web.”

This staggering breakthrough could be the wick of future innovations that will expand the mind’s capabilities. The researchers made it happen by gathering the brainwave EEG signals using an Emotiv EEG device. The Emotiv EEG device was connected to the user’s head, which transmitted the brain signals to a low cost Raspberry Pi computer. Once the device has transmitted the signals to the computer, an application programming interface enables a live stream of data, which are displayed on an open website where anyone can view the activity.

In a statement on Futurism, Adam Pantanowitz, the supervisor of the project and a lecturer at the Wits School of Electrical and Information Engineerin said,

“Brainternet is a new frontier in brain-computer interface systems. There is a lack of easily understood data about how a human mind works and processes information. Brainternet seeks to simplify a person’s understanding of their own brain and the brains of others. It does this through continuous monitoring of brain activity as well as enabling some interactivity.”

The beginning of new possibilities

Pantanowitz believes that what they have achieved is only the beginning. The researchers are looking forward to finding more ways to expand the breakthrough. Pantanowitz added that for now their aim is to unfurl more technological possibilities, and improve the interactive experience between the user and their brain.

Though the team has already built remarkable functionalities of the device on the site, they believe that the project is still yet to grow. Currently, the cutting-edge project is limited to stimuli such as arm movement.

“Brainternet can be further improved to classify recordings through a smart phone app that will provide data for a machine-learning algorithm. In future, there could be information transferred in both directions – inputs and outputs to the brain,” Pantanowitz said.

Innovations involving the human’s brain and technology get different reactions from the people. Some people see it as world changing findings that could improve the lives of humanity; while others, find it daunting and frightening.

It’s not the first time when great modern innovators studied the integration of human mind and technology. Projects like Elon Musk’s Neural Lace and Bryan Johnson’s Kernel are also working on empowering the mind with machine learning and brain-computer interfaces. Now that one research had at last enabled the direct linking of mind and machine, the future is bright for similar breakthroughs.

Using the data gathered in the Brainternet project, we can now grasp a better understanding of how our minds work, and we can use it to optimize the brain’s learning abilities, and strengthen its power.

Groundbreaking Innovation Finally Links Brain to the Internet was last modified: November 13th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

“You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.” – professor Harold Hill

Life is short, but not all of us get the chance to make it sweet. We tend to be pre-occupied with all our chores, jobs, and less important things. Before we know it, time has already passed and we are withering with old age.

It’s natural to feel comfortable in a secured job. Most of us set aside our dreams to work for someone in a hope that the time for our own ambitions will soon come. Because of that many people miss their opportunity to grow, progress and improve. Until we realize that it’s too late, then we wonder where all that time went.

Getting out of survival mode = real life

Hopefully this article will serve as a medium for rethinking your life. Contemplate your approach to life, and what really matters the most.

It’s a sad truth that most people focus on the unnecessary and trivial. We tend to forget the fundamentals, which robs our chance to build something meaningful. All because people are in survival mode.

No better words can describe that kind of life than what was stated on Inc.com recently : “Like Bilbo, most of us are like butter scraped over too much bread. Unfortunately, the bread is not even our own, but someone else’s. Very few have taken the time to take their lives into their own hands.”

We can’t blame the people who are caught in that kind of life lived on the terms of other people. It is viewed as the norm, when for generations living on someone else’s terms is seen as social and cultural.

However, we are now in a new age. There is a growing collective consciousness saying it’s possible to live our life on our own terms. We make our future; we are the designer of our own fate. We are responsible for our decisions, and we can decide on our own. If we can’t, other people will. Like Inc.com says “Indecision is a bad decision”.

Below we revealed a morning routine that will change your life. Applying the following steps to your life will make you the master of your own destiny. You will get to control your fortune, and you will realize what really matters the most.

Get good quality sleep

We can’t stress this enough: a good sleep is a necessity. Just like eating and drinking water, people need to have a quality sleep in able to perform well, or live well.

Millions of people around the world have sleeping issues, which result in psychological problems. The National Sleep Foundation found that ‘a huge number of people don’t sleep enough. In the survey they conducted, they found out that at least 40 million Americans suffer from more than 70 kinds of sleep disorders. Not only that, 60 percent of adults and 69 percent of children experience one or more sleep problems a few nights or more during a week.’

Sleep has a severe impact in our lives, more than what we think. If you want to change your life, the first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you’re getting 7 hours or more of sleep. Otherwise, your efforts will not matter. You will not be productive, and you will not be able to focus. Worse, your health will suffer in the long run.

On the other hand, getting a good night’s sleep will help you become successful, happy and healthy. A healthy amount of sleep will give you an increased memory, decreased inflammation, increased creativity, increased attention and focus, decreased fat and increased muscle mass (with exercise), lower stress, decreased dependence on stimulants like caffeine, decreased risk of getting into accidents, decreased risk of depression, and so much more.

Begin your day with meditation and prayer for clarity and abundance

Where your focus lies becomes reality. Thus, prayer and meditation are important to orient yourself towards the positive. It will remind you of your goals, and will let you attract more of the things that you’re grateful for.

Starting your day with meditation and gratitude will change your life. It amplifies optimism, and gratitude will direct your mindset to positivity.

According to Inc., “When you think in terms of abundance, the world is your oyster. There are limitless opportunities and possibilities for you.

People are magnets. When you’re grateful for what you have, you will attract more of the positive and good.”

Gratitude may be the most powerful element for success. It is the mother of all virtues. When you start your morning with gratitude and clarity, you will attract the best that life can offer. Prayer and meditation affixes your focus onto the path that you want to take, to the life that you want to have.

Move and Sweat

According to Centers for Disease Control’s National Health Interview Survey, “only one-third of American men and women between the ages of 25 and 64 engage in regular physical activity.”

Despite the countless studies, how to’s, and evidence that shows the importance and the need for exercise, only a few people work out regularly. If you want to be healthy, happy and productive, getting your body moving in the morning is the ultimate key.

You don’t have to push yourself to do a hardcore workout to accomplish this. Just getting your body moving and blood flowing can help. Some people go the gym for their daily dose of exercise. However, doing house chores, yard work or gardening can also do the job. Whatever you prefer, getting your body to move and sweat will give you a surge of inspiration and clarity.

Furthermore, exercise reduces anxiety, stress, and the chance of depression. It is a fundamental element for success. Like Inc said, “If you don’t care about your body, every other aspect of your life will suffer. Humans are holistic beings.”

Eat 30 g of protein

Experts professor Donald Layman and Tim Ferris both highly advised people to consume around 30 g of proteins in the morning when you wake up.

In Tim Ferris’ book, The 4-Hour Body, he shared the story of his father who lost 19 pounds in 1 month. Losing that weight helped his father to live healthier.

According to Ferris, foods high in protein stay longer in the stomach, making you feel full for longer hours. Protein-rich foods also keep the blood sugar levels steady, preventing spikes of hunger. Eating protein also avoids cravings for sugar and carbohydrates.

According to Ferris, there are four ways that can help you get 30 g of protein in the morning: “1. Eat at least 40 percent of your breakfast calories as protein. 2. Do it with two or three whole eggs (each egg has about 6 grams of protein). 3. If you don’t like eggs, use something like turkey bacon, organic pork bacon or sausage, or cottage cheese. 4. Or, you could always make a protein shake with water. For people who avoid dairy, meat, and eggs, there are several plant-based proteins. Legumes, greens, nuts, and seeds all are rich in protein.”

Take a cold shower

Tony Robbins starts his day by jumping into a cold (57-degree Fahrenheit) pool every morning. He’s not insane, he is actually a genius. According to studies, ‘cold-water immersion radically facilitates physical and mental wellness.’

Taking a cold shower in the morning regularly improves health as it has long lasting beneficial effects on the immune system, lymphatic, circulatory, and digestive systems. Besides those health perks, a cold shower in the morning can helps reduce weight.

Hitting the cold shower may freak you out at first, but it will make you feel happy afterwards. According to one study, in some cases, a cold shower works better than medications for depression. It’s because cold water triggers the flow of mind boosting neurochemicals that uplift one’s mood.

Listen to uplifting content

The great leaders are voracious book readers. They are hungry for learning and education. It’s said that the most successful people read one book a week.

You can do it, too. Instead of using your spare time for entertainment, use it for reading. You can finish a ton of books if you listen to audio on your way to work.

Spend at least 15 to 30 minutes of your day reading uplifting, instructive or informational content every morning. If you do it regularly, it will change your life and how you see the world. It will inspire you to work and perform at your best. Additionally, reading won’t only expand your knowledge, it will also help you easily build more connections between topics.

Remind yourself of your life’s vision

To remind yourself of your life’s vision, you must write it down. Your long and short-term goals must be noted down so you can review them on a daily basis.

Reading your written goals a few minutes every morning will carve your perspective to your vision. When you read your goals every day, you will think about them constantly. Doing so will lead you to spending your days moving toward your vision. In just a matter of time, your visions will manifest into reality.

Making your dreams come true, isn’t a mystery granted by the cosmos – it’s science. Following a pattern, a routine, will help you make your goals come to life because you’re doing something about it. No matter how big or small your ambitions are, you can make them come true if you keep reminding yourself about them, which also affixes your focus.

Do one thing towards your long term goals

Every morning, make sure to do the most important things first. Because just like a muscle, willpower depletes as time progresses and it hasn’t been used effectively. Same with decision-making; our ability to make sound decisions decreases over the course of the day. This is why you should do the most important, difficult things in the morning.

If you miss to do the most important things first, most likely, you will end up delaying getting it done. When you’re exhausted, you will have a million reasons to get things done tomorrow, which rarely happens.

Focusing on your goals will move you closer to making things happen. In the end you will realize that your big dreams are actually not all that far away.

Change Your Life with this 8 Method Morning Routine Before 8AM was last modified: November 13th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

Everything’s possible. In a world full of negativity, the only way to win is to choose the light. Chris Gardner is living proof that life is what we make it.

Gardner was once a homeless man who has turned into an inspirational, successful figure. He is the man behind the story of the Hollywood film, “The Pursuit of Happyness”.

Chris Gardner once had a rough life. He and his son used to sleep wherever they could, including the railway station bathroom, parks, a church shelter, or under his desk at work. It was in early 1980s when Gardner and his toddler were homeless for a year in San Francisco.

By that time, Gardner was enrolled in a low-paid trainee scheme at a stock brokerage, and didn’t have enough money to get an apartment. The little money he had was spent on daycare where he left his son when he went to work.

After some time, due to his natural skills at selling and hard work, Gardner stood out during his training, and became a full-time employee at Dean Witter Reynolds (DWR). At that point, his career flourished quickly, and in 1987 he opened his own investment firm, Gardner Rich.

In His Pursuit of Happiness

Currently, Chris Gardner, 62, travels the world as a motivational speaker. From being homeless, Gardner’s is now a millionaire with an estimated worth of $60m. With his wealth, he is now sponsoring multiple homeless charities and organizations that combat violence against women.

Gardner’s tough life as a child, and when he was jailed caught the attention of filmmakers. He wrote his autobiography, and shared his life in his best-selling book, The Pursuit of Happyness (the misspelling is deliberate). It was when Hollywood reached out to him, and turned his book into a big budget film.

The movie was released in 2006, and Will Smith was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Mr Gardner. In his interview with BBC, Gardner shared that he “wouldn’t change anything”.

“I went through pain as a child so my children wouldn’t have to,” he says. “I made a decision as a five-year-old boy that my kids will know who their father is.

“The rest of my destiny came forward because I made the right choices.”

Gardner’s Mother and Guiding Light

Chris Gardner never knew his real father. He was brought up by his mother Bettye Jean and a physically abusive, alcoholic stepfather. While struggling in poverty, Gardner and his mother lived a miserable life.

Despite a woeful childhood, Gardner said his mom stood out as his inspiration.

“I have one of those old-fashioned mothers who told me every single day, ‘Son, you can do or be anything that you want to do or be.’

“And I believed it, I bought into it 100%.”

He also recalled that one day when as a child when he was watching a college basketball game on TV, and commented that one of the players would make a million dollars.

“My mum said, ‘Son, one day it will be you who’ll make a million dollars.’ Until she said those words the thought had never entered my mind.”

Where It All Began

After graduating from high school, Chris Gardner spent four years in the US Navy. After his discharge, he moved to San Francisco to sell medical equipment.

His life began to change the time he saw a man parking his Ferrari, and asked him what he does for a living. The man who calls himself, Bob Bridges said he was a stockbroker. After their conversation, Gardner, expressed his interest in joining the industry.

When they met again, Mr Bridges helped Gardner secure an interview for an internship. However, days before his interview, Mr Gardner was arrested and jailed for non-payment of parking tickets.

He almost missed his interview, but made it in the nick of time, only wearing the clothes when he was arrested. Despite of his scruffy attire, which were trainers and a vest, Gardner got the job with his striking drive and enthusiasm.

His Career Shift

In 2012, Gardner’s wife died from cancer at an early age, 55. It was just a couple of years after the movie was released. His wife’s last words made him re-evaluate his life, which made him decide to make a radical career shift.

“Some of the last conversations [my wife and I] had were her saying to me, ‘Now that we can see how truly short life can be, what will you do with the rest of your life?’

“When you have that conversation, that changes everything. I’ve said that if you’re not doing something that you’re passionate about, you’re compromising yourself every single day.”

After working for 3 decades in the finance industry, he reinvented himself as a motivational speaker and author.

Choosing the Light

Now Gardner travels the world spreading his message with inspiring stories. He is a motivational speaker 200 days a year, and talks in front of packed audiences in more than 50 countries.

Director at US investment firm Morningstar, Scott Burns says that Mr. Gardner “is just an amazing testament of fortitude”.

He adds: “You can be down and out, but only as down as you let yourself be.”

Mr Gardner does not believe in the theory that we are all products of our childhood.

“According to that school of thought I should have become another alcoholic, wife-beating, child-abusing, illiterate loser.”

He’s convinced that everything that happens in our lives is the fruit of our choices. He said his own positive choices, the love of his mother, and the support of people around him made him what he is today.

“I chose light, from my mother, and from others with whom I don’t share a single drop of blood, and I embraced it.”

Homeless to Multimillionaire: Real Life Story of Chris Gardner Proves Nothing’s Impossible was last modified: November 13th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

The release of iPhone 8 and X (ten) made waves around the world. Together with new and stupefying phone features, Apple also unveiled the new iOS 11 updates and app store.

The unveiling of Apple’s new products was swift, and some people may have overlooked the sleek changes in the new OS. A few of iOS 11’s most notable tweaks are its design, and the newly added features for app searching and discovery. The overall experience of buying and downloading apps has changed in the new OS.

With the new iOS 11, it’s now easier to look for apps. Some of the fresh OS features are the app of the day, and more convenient in-app purchases. Entrepreneurs who use technology for their ventures would benefit on IOS 11’s tweaks. For businesses focusing on tech such as those who create their own apps, now they can also improve their app’s ranking through app store optimization (ASO).

Besides, ASO, which works similarly with search engine optimization, MobileDevHQ is also an app store tool for better app exposure. MobileDevHQ is an analytics app, which helps improve keywords use, track rankings, and monitoring of competitors.

Optimize your business with the help of these fresh apps and updates of the new iOS 11!

Improved Search Bar

With the newly improved iOS 11 app store search bar, customers can now easily find what they’re looking for. Optimizing the content of your product page will help you generate higher conversion rates.

New Title Limitations

Apple has decreased the keyword count from 50 to 30 characters. This update allows apps to get higher ranks by adding a relevant keyword to titles. According to TUNE, apps that contain the relative keyword in their title are ranked 10.3 percent higher than those who don’t. With the help of the tools like App Annie, you can polish your keywords by providing accurate traffic volumes and information.

New Subtitle Limitations

Subtitles are found under the app titles. Apple has limited subtitles to 30 characters, which is where you will describe your product. Thus, it’s crucial to create a 30-character description that is clear and persuasive. To do it correctly, avoid overly-used descriptions, and focus on the features that your target audience would love. If done right, subtitles will the key to your app’s increased visits and downloads.

In-app Purchase

One of the most stirring changes made by Apple in iOS 11 is found in the in-app purchases (IAPs). Unlike before, IAPs can only me made after the purchase. Now it’s possible to perform IAPs even before downloading an app. Apple also allowed to list up to 20 IAPs. However, apps need to be able to support the new SKPaymentTransactionObserver method in order to make IAPs available.

Promotional Content

Apple has allowed promotional texts and limited it to 170 characters. To optimize this tool, promotional content must focus on feature announcements, and other news about the app, and dated events.

App Description

App descriptions can only be edited when a new version of the app is submitted. When creating app descriptions, you must include your app’s relevant and useful qualities for your target market. However, you can use promotional texts instead if the new version of your app is not yet available, but you desire to update the users regarding the latest news about your app.

Rates and reviews

Apple has integrated iTunes Connect with iOS 11 App Store for easy rating and reviewing. With the use of this new feature, app owners and developers can directly respond to reviews. Problems, issues, and feedback can be addressed faster using this feature, then the customer will be notified when a response is made. The customers can also edit their reviews after the concern has been addressed. However, only the latest reviews will be displayed.

Why Entrepreneurs Will Love the New iOS 11 App Store was last modified: November 13th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

Your habits will make or break you. What’s worse, most of the time people are unaware of their bad habits until it snowballs, and become a problem. Allowing your bad habits to persist will stop you from reaching your full potential, and becoming the best person that you can be. To be able to change your bad habits, you need a lot of self-control. Although at first it may seem that winning over your bad habits can be tough, all your efforts will be worth it in the end.

To know the importance of self-control, University of Pennsylvania psychologists Angela Duckworth and Martin Seligman, measured students’ IQ and self-control as they entered University. After four years, the experts observed the students’ GPA, and learned that self-control is twice as important as IQ when attaining high grades.

In life, self-control is paramount to success. It will help a person build good habits, change the bad ones, and it’s a significant factor in productivity and work ethics. To gain self-control, a person must be willing to exercise it. Anyone can practice their self-control and make it stronger by breaking the following bad habits:

Using devices (phone, tablet, computer) before sleep

Using devices in bed can affect your sleep, and eventually your productivity. It’s very common for people to use their phones or any devices before they doze off without knowing that it can harm their sleep cycle. The short wavelength of blue light from devices is absorbed by the body, which plays a major role on our mood, energy and sleep. The same light in higher concentration is given off by the sun, which makes us more alert during the day. When the blue light is absorbed by the eyes, the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin becomes impeded. Thus, during the afternoon, when the suns rays decrease in blue light, the body slows down somewhat. However, during the evening, the brain is not expecting to receive any blue light, so it becomes more sensitive to it.

Devices like laptops, tablets and mobile phones emit the same blue light in short wavelengths. Though the light from these devices are not as concentrated as what the sun releases, putting the devices close to our faces can deliver the same effect to the brain. It impairs the sleep-inducing hormone, which may stop you from falling asleep, and also decreases the quality of your sleep. You know that a good night’s sleep is important to your performance for the next day, right? Thus, you must avoid using devices after dinner, especially when you’re in bed.

Frequent internet surfing

Impulsive usage of internet is a productivity culprit. According to one study, it takes a consecutive 15 minutes of focus to get that flow, and engage fully in a task. Once a person does it, they will fall into a euphoric state of increased productivity. People who are able to enter this flow are five times more productive than those who don’t. Meaning, if you impulsively surf the internet, you won’t likely get to focus on your task for a full 15 minutes straight. Failing to control the itch of checking your Facebook, checking the news, or anything you do on the net, will stop you from acquiring your flow. You will need to fill up the 15 minutes of focus again, until you reenter that euphoric productive state.

Checking the phone in mid-conversation

Have you ever engaged in a conversation where the person you’re talking to keeps looking at their phone? You know it can be frustrating. It’s almost offensive to converse with someone who isn’t giving their full attention to you. Even a quick glance at a phone can be a total turn off. Thus, if you engage in a conversation, make sure you are focusing all your energy and attention to the person you’re talking to. You will realize that talking with other people is fun and effective when you get fully immersed in the conversation.

Constantly checking multiple notifications

Checking multiple notifications will eat a lot your time without you even knowing. It’s the worst productivity culprit which can also deceive you that you’re being efficient. Studies have seen that checking your phone or email every time it pings, grabs your attention and makes your productivity drop. To avoid this mistake, make sure to pool all your notifications, and check them altogether at a particular time (every hour for instance). It will save you a lot of time, and will help you optimize your productivity.

Not knowing how to say NO

Sometimes the biggest mistakes come from our inability to say “no”. In fact, a study conducted at the University of California in San Francisco shows that the more it’s difficult for a person to say no, the more they are susceptible to experiencing stress, burnout, and even depression. Not knowing how to say no also weakens one’s self-control. Many people find it difficult to refuse things. However, we must learn that “no” is a powerful word that we should not be afraid to use. Avoid phrases like “I don’t think I can” or “I’m not certain,” and be direct. Assert what you really feel, as saying no to commitments will give you time and opportunity to fulfill your existing commitments. The ability to say no is a way to strengthen your self-control to avoid the negative effects of over commitment.

Avoiding toxic people

There are toxic people everywhere, but it doesn’t mean you need to be affected by them. Though these people can get under your skin and make their way to stay there, don’t waste time thinking about them if it makes your blood boil. Instead, think of the people around you that you are grateful to have. There are more important things that deserve your time and energy. Toxic people don’t deserve your attention. Lend your thoughts and energy to those people who really matter.

Not paying full attention during meetings

Never multitask during meetings. Basically, never do anything with only half of your attention. If the meeting isn’t worth your full attention, you probably should never attend it at the first place. On the other hand, if the meeting is worth your full attention, you should get as much as you can from it. Besides, multitasking during meetings will give you a bad impression that you are more important above anyone else in the room.

Gossiping

One of the worst habits is gossiping about other people. It doesn’t only show what type of person and thinking a gossiper has, it’s also a poor way to make use of time. Gossiping only spreads negativity, especially when it peers into other’s personal or professional faux pas. Spreading rumors bring no beneficial results, it only hurts other people, and will make you feel gross. Instead of gossiping, focus on interesting people who can inspire you and others to learn and become better.

Delaying your success

A lot of people with great potential miss the right timing of their success, thinking that they are not ready to give it a go. It happens in writers who spend massive hours developing the characters and their story. Some of them even write a pile of pages that they know won’t be a part of their book. It’s because they believe they need more time for their ideas to develop. Many people do the same. They tend to delay their projects and ventures thinking it’s not perfect and not good enough to be produced. However, the idea of failing stops them to achieve success. Author Jodi Picoult summarized the importance of avoiding perfectionism perfectly: “You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank page.”

Comparing yourself to others

Each individual is different from another. Each of us has different strengths and weakness. Each of us in unique in our own very way. So comparing yourself to others isn’t just wrong, it’s also a way to lose your happiness. Getting satisfaction from comparing yourself to others, means you are no longer the master of your own happiness. For times that you feel good about yourself or something you did, don’t let other people take that away from you. Though sometimes it can be hard to ignore what other people think of, comparing yourself to others will just make it worse. What you need to do is value yourself and your happiness above all. After all, there is freedom and greatness in not caring about what other people think about you when you really know who you are. Also, one thing is certain: you’re never as good or bad as they say you are.

Daily Bad Habits to Avoid to Become a Better Person was last modified: October 18th, 2017 by Feras Antoon

They say if your goal is to get rich, you have to be your own boss. Many people dream of having their own business; maybe in a desire to acquire prosperity, wealth, or to make a change. Numerous employees don’t see themselves working in a 9-5 job for the rest of their lives. In fact, in a global survey conducted by Gallup, 87 percent of workers don’t envision themselves being employed by their companies for the long haul.

However, shifting from an employee into an entrepreneur requires preparation. If you’re about to undergo a radical change, you must be ready to face what’s ahead. After quitting your job, and starting your own business, your next crucial step is to be fully accountable to yourself. Your habits will dictate your success. Thus, acquiring the mindset of a great entrepreneur is of paramount importance. You must step away from the thinking of an employee, and begin seeing things like how the best leaders do.

There are beginners in the entrepreneurial world who had wrong notions of what it’s like to be in business. Their misconceptions led them to failure. To assure your path to success, here are 5 mindset changes you must possess when embarking on this new journey.

#1 Think outside the box

Once you leave the life of an employee you’re no longer restricted to the limitations of the corporate world. Your mind must be open to all and new possibilities. It could be possibilities that you never encountered during your life as an employee.

According to an article for TIME magazine, Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, said, “People will always try to stop you doing the right thing if it is unconventional.”

In today’s tight competition, you need to think creatively. You need to step out of the box no matter what people say. Only you can see your vision exactly how it is. Thus, you must not let anyone stop you from turning that vision into reality.

#2 Create short-term and long-term goals

“A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels,” Albert Einstein once told the New York Times.

A successful entrepreneur thinks unconventionally, and so must you if you want to be one. Envisioning your future is a necessary habit to reach your goals. You must have an idea about where to go and how to get there. As a leader, you must share your vision with your team members, and guide them to the path that you want to take.

Plan your business the way you see it, but keep your eye on the big picture at all times. Communicate your vision with your team, and make sure they know their responsibilities towards achieving your business’ goals.

#3 Be stronger than stress

Starting your own business is a serious matter. It involves greater responsibilities than what you had as an employee. You may experience more challenging, stressful times, but you must be strong to face them all. When building a startup, there is no other way but up. The climb can be difficult, especially when the life of other people is on your shoulders. Be brave and patient enough because once you get through, all your hard work will pay off.

Ryan Farley has experienced hard times, too. He was a corporate employee who turned into an entrepreneur to start lawn care marketplace LawnStarter Lawn Care. He said in an interview, “I was used to working extremely long hours in the corporate finance world.”

“I thought that would have conditioned me well, but nothing can prepare you for this amount of stress. It’s pretty common for founders to have the stress get so bad it affects your physical and mental health,” Farley added.

“But you have to press on, and you’re better off for it.”

Farley, and other prominent employee-turned-entrepreneur people like Brad Feld and Mark Suster, have shared similar experiences. Successful people like them, know that they must motivate their self because no one would. Unlike their corporate days when they had a boss, no one will remind them to get things done. To be able to cope up with hard work, great entrepreneurs keep organized and stay focused.

#4 Have the will to be a jack of all trades

Once you become an entrepreneur, everything will become your job. You can no longer say, “that’s not my job.” When you take the path of entrepreneurship, slacking is no longer acceptable. You have to grind, monitor your business, and make sure everything is on track. You will be a jack of all trades, and will handle the responsibilities of an IT manager, accountant, and marketer. Together with all these, you also need to lead the company.

The best entrepreneurs wear many hats, and they love to learn new things. A boss doesn’t get to slack, sit back and relax — different from what others think. However, the fruit of your hard work will always be worth it.

As an entrepreneur, author and investor Robert Kiyosaki has written on Twitter, “Entrepreneurs don’t finish when we are tired. We finish when we are done.”

#5 Be flexible, focused and optimistic

Perspective is everything; the right attitude is the key. As an entrepreneur, keep those words in mind. The success of everything lies on how you think – same when building a thriving business. Thus, the only way to succeed is to think positively, otherwise you’ll be your own undoing. Let your passion drive you, and remain focused.

“Unless you have a lot of passion about this, you’re not going to survive. You’re going to give it up. So, you’ve got to have an idea, or a problem or a wrong that you want to right that you’re passionate about; otherwise you’re not going to have the perseverance to stick it through. I think that’s half the battle right there.” – Steve Jobs

For many people, the path to happiness appears to be rough. Even the richest, most popular, powerful people who seem to have perfect lives are in search for true bliss.

For science, it isn’t surprising why happiness seems to be a hard-to-attain dream. It’s because science knows how the brain works, and it sees through a negative lens. Due to human genes, evolution, and instinct for survival, the brain is developed to scan for problems. Though there are a ton of “how to’s” for being happy, only science can be the undoubtedly reliable source.

For that matter, Alex Korb, UCLA neuroscience researcher, shares some insights that can create an upward spiral of happiness. Here’s 4 rituals to ultimately blissful life based from Korb’s book, The Upward Spiral:

1. Practice gratefulness

The brain is developed in a way that it scans for negativity. Which is why negative feelings like shame, guilt and pride trigger the reward center of the brain.

Despite their differences, pride, shame, and guilt all activate similar neural circuits, including the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, insula, and the nucleus accumbens. Interestingly, pride is the most powerful of these emotions at triggering activity in these regions — except in the nucleus accumbens, where guilt and shame win out. This explains why it can be so appealing to heap guilt and shame on ourselves — they’re activating the brain’s reward center. – The Upward Spiral

People also tend to worry a lot because in the short-term, the brain feels better when people worry. Worrying, in some way, tells the brain that you’re doing something about the problem.

In fact, worrying can help calm the limbic system by increasing activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and decreasing activity in the amygdala. That might seem counterintuitive, but it just goes to show that if you’re feeling anxiety, doing something about it — even worrying — is better than doing nothing. -The Upward Spiral

It’s clear that in long term feelings of guilt, shame and worry cannot contribute any good help to one’s problems. Thus, neuroscientists say that to resolve this problem, ask your self the question: What am I grateful for?

Gratefulness affects the brain on a biological level. In fact, it works similarly with neural drugs like the antidepressant Wellbutrin. Like this drug, feeling grateful boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine.

The benefits of gratitude start with the dopamine system, because feeling grateful activates the brain stem region that produces dopamine. Additionally, gratitude toward others increases activity in social dopamine circuits, which makes social interactions more enjoyable… – The Upward Spiral

Gratitude also works like Prozac. It boosts the neurotransmitter serotonin.

One powerful effect of gratitude is that it can boost serotonin. Trying to think of things you are grateful for forces you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. This simple act increases serotonin production in the anterior cingulate cortex. – The Upward Spiral

Though it’s true, sometimes life hits you hard, and finding something to be grateful for is like a needle in a haystack. However, neuroscientists say that finding something to be grateful of doesn’t matter. What counts is the searching.

It’s not finding gratitude that matters most; it’s remembering to look in the first place. Remembering to be grateful is a form of emotional intelligence that breeds happiness. One study found that it actually affected neuron density in both the ventromedial and lateral prefrontal cortex. These density changes suggest that as emotional intelligence increases, the neurons in these areas become more efficient. With higher emotional intelligence, it simply takes less effort to be grateful. – The Upward Spiral

Looking for something to be grateful of won’t only give you bliss, it also creates a positive feedback loop in your relationships. Thus, tell your loved ones how you’re grateful to have them.

How about for the times when you’re down in the mud? You feel vulnerable, helpless and you have no idea how to deal with your problems? Neuroscientists say, there’s an easy trick.

2. Name your awful feeling when it arises

Every time you get a bad feeling, identify what it is. Do you feel sad? Anxious, angry?

Believe it or not it’s that simple. It may sound stupid, but not when you hear what neuroscientists have to say.

…in one fMRI study, appropriately titled “Putting Feelings into Words” participants viewed pictures of people with emotional facial expressions. Predictably, each participant’s amygdala activated to the emotions in the picture. But when they were asked to name the emotion, the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activated and reduced the emotional amygdala reactivity. In other words, consciously recognizing the emotions reduced their impact. – The Upward Spiral

Apparently, fighting your own negative feelings won’t help you become happier. Suppressing those feelings will only result in a detrimental backfire.

Gross found that people who tried to suppress a negative emotional experience failed to do so. While they thought they looked fine outwardly, inwardly their limbic system was just as aroused as without suppression, and in some cases, even more aroused. Kevin Ochsner, at Columbia, repeated these findings using an fMRI. Trying not to feel something doesn’t work, and in some cases even backfires.

Labeling your negative feelings will do wonders in decreasing its effect on you.

To reduce arousal, you need to use just a few words to describe an emotion, and ideally use symbolic language, which means using indirect metaphors, metrics, and simplifications of your experience. This requires you to activate your prefrontal cortex, which reduces the arousal in the limbic system. Here’s the bottom line: describe an emotion in just a word or two, and it helps reduce the emotion.

Labeling your feelings is a powerful weapon. In fact, ancient methods incorporate this technique, too. Such as, in meditation, labeling the brain is a fundamental practice for mindfulness.

Labeling feelings is truly effective in attaining happiness that it also works on other people. As a matter of fact, this method is being used by the FBI during hostage negotiators.

3. Make decisions

We frequently hear sad, depressed or confused people saying they’re tired of life. In stressful situations, the best solution to give it a rest is to make a decision.

Making decisions include creating intentions and setting goals — all three are part of the same neural circuitry and engage the prefrontal cortex in a positive way, reducing worry and anxiety. Making decisions also helps overcome striatum activity, which usually pulls you toward negative impulses and routines. Finally, making decisions changes your perception of the world — finding solutions to your problems and calming the limbic system.

However, when making a decision, keep in mind that it’s okay to come up with a ‘good enough’ solution. Sometimes, deciding is hard, so don’t stress yourself to come up with the best decision.

Besides, science also learned that being a perfectionist will only make you feel like you’re out of control. Such an irony, but it’s true. Striving for perfection overwhelms the brain with feelings, and you don’t want that.

Trying for the best, instead of good enough, brings too much emotional ventromedial prefrontal activity into the decision-making process. In contrast, recognizing that good enough is good enough activates more dorsolateral prefrontal areas, which helps you feel more in control…- The Upward Spiral

Deciding will make you feel like you’re in control, it reduces stress. More importantly, making decisions delivers pleasure.

In a study using rats injected with the same doses of cocaine, there were differences in the level of dopamine when the other rat made a decision. Rat A pulled the lever, while rat B didn’t do anything. Results showed that rat A had larger boosts of dopamine.

So they both got the same injections of cocaine at the same time, but rat A had to actively press the lever, and rat B didn’t have to do anything. And you guessed it — rat A released more dopamine in its nucleus accumbens. – The Upward Spiral

The experiment only shows that when you make a decision on a goal, and eventually achieve it, you feel better than when a good thing happens by chance.

Thus, every time you drag your butt to the gym because you think you have to or you should, your brain doesn’t get any pleasure from it. It may even cause stress.

Interestingly, if they are forced to exercise, they don’t get the same benefits, because without choice, the exercise itself is a source of stress rather than happiness. – The Upward Spiral

Neuroscience researcher Alex Korb sums it up nicely:

We don’t just choose the things we like; we also like the things we choose.

4. Keep in touch, literally

If the tips above seem lonely for a happy prescription, you can actually involve other people in your pursuit of happiness. Neuroscientists say, you can be happy while making others feel better by touching them. Not in any weird way, though.

Feelings of rejection and not being loved can be painful. In fact, the brain receives this kind of pain like a physical pain.

In a study made, where people were playing a ball-tossing video game, the players are asked to toss the ball to other players. When other people stopped playing nice, and stopped tossing the ball to others, the subjects’ brain responded as if they were feeling a physical pain. Meaning, rejection doesn’t cause a broken heart; in the brain, it’s like a broken leg.

In fact, as demonstrated in an fMRI experiment, social exclusion activates the same circuitry as physical pain… at one point they stopped sharing, only throwing back and forth to each other, ignoring the participant. This small change was enough to elicit feelings of social exclusion, and it activated the anterior cingulate and insula, just like physical pain would.

This is why your relationships with other people mean a lot for your happiness. If you want to strengthen your bond with other people, the easiest way is to touch them.

One of the primary ways to release oxytocin is through touching. Obviously, it’s not always appropriate to touch most people, but small touches like handshakes and pats on the back are usually okay. For people you’re close with, make more of an effort to touch more often.

Touching can also help reduce pain – physical or emotional. In a study done among married couples, they learned that the stronger the marriage, the more powerful touching is.

In addition, holding hands with someone can help comfort you and your brain through painful situations. One fMRI study scanned married women as they were warned that they were about to get a small electric shock. While anticipating the painful shocks, the brain showed a predictable pattern of response in pain and worrying circuits, with activation in the insula, anterior cingulate, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. During a separate scan, the women either held their husbands’ hands or the hand of the experimenter. When a subject held her husband’s hand, the threat of shock had a smaller effect. The brain showed reduced activation in both the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex— that is, less activity in the pain and worrying circuits. In addition, the stronger the marriage, the lower the discomfort-related insula activity.

If you don’t have someone to touch or hug, we’re really sorry to hear. However, there is a great substitute that can do the work — that’s to get a massage.

The results are fairly clear that massage boosts your serotonin by as much as 30 percent. Massage also decreases stress hormones and raises dopamine levels, which helps you create new good habits… Massage reduces pain because the oxytocin system activates painkilling endorphins. Massage also improves sleep and reduces fatigue by increasing serotonin and dopamine and decreasing the stress hormone cortisol.

UCLA neuroscience researcher Alex Korb also explains the interconnection of happiness and everything else. He tells why it’s important to feel happy, and why we should start its upward spiral:

Everything is interconnected. Gratitude improves sleep. Sleep reduces pain. Reduced pain improves your mood. Improved mood reduces anxiety, which improves focus and planning. Focus and planning help with decision making. Decision making further reduces anxiety and improves enjoyment. Enjoyment gives you more to be grateful for, which keeps that loop of the upward spiral going. Enjoyment also makes it more likely you’ll exercise and be social, which, in turn, will make you happier.

4 Effective Rituals for Happiness, According to Science was last modified: October 18th, 2017 by Feras Antoon